A glittering civic reception was held in honour of a nine-strong team of students who came fourth in an international law competition.

Eastern Daily Press: Sponsors of the students' Mock Trials journey with the team. Picture: Mark Fitzpatrick/Springwood High SchoolSponsors of the students' Mock Trials journey with the team. Picture: Mark Fitzpatrick/Springwood High School (Image: Archant)

Pupils from Springwood High School, in King's Lynn, worked their way up through regional and national mock trials competitions to earn a place in a final at the Old Bailey.

They impressed the judges so much that they were chosen to represent the UK in an international competition held in New York in December.

After raising £20,000 towards the cost of the trip and spending all last summer in school preparing, they were rewarded with fourth place out of 44 teams.

Hayley Roberts, enrichment Officer and bar mock trials lead teacher at Springwood, said: 'I am thrilled that the students of Springwood High School have done so well. Never did we imagine that they would have progressed to International level.

'This is the result of the student's long hours, hard work and total dedication to the project. They devoted their own personal time including summer holidays, half terms and weekends. I would like to thank all the sponsors who made this possible as without them there would be no opportunity to represent Norfolk, and the UK internationally.' Student Sophie Ward said: 'Mock trials have been the best experience I have had in my school career. I would like to thank all of our sponsors for their support along the way.'

After welcoming students, staff and sponsors to the reception at King's Lynn Town Hall, West Norfolk Mayor David Whitby congratulated the team and thanked all those who had supported them.

North West Norfolk MP SirHenry Bellingham - who served for eight years as a barrister - said that their achievement was all the more impressive because they had been competing against full-time law students.

Andrew Johnson, executive head teacher of Springwood High School and the West Norfolk Academies Trust, said: 'This is a world class achievement for these young people. The School and the trust are incredibly proud of their achievement in this competition. 'I would like to personally thank Hayley Roberts and her team for going above and beyond in support of these youngsters. Furthermore, I would like to thank the generous support from our prestigious sponsors.'